Livelihood and Agriculture: The Tay in Sa Pa are primarily an agrarian society, practicing wet rice cultivation, animal husbandry, and small-scale farming. Their agricultural practices are closely tied to the natural environment of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Tay farmers grow crops like rice, corn, and various vegetables.

Traditional Housing: The Tay in Sa Pa live in traditional wooden stilt houses, often clustered together in small villages. These houses are elevated above the ground on wooden stilts and have thatched roofs made from cogon grass or bamboo. The homes incorporate distinctive architectural features and decorative elements that reflect Tay cultural identity.

 Dress and Textiles: As discussed earlier, Tay women are skilled weavers and embroiderers. They create vibrant, patterned clothing like long jackets, skirts, and headscarves using handwoven brocade fabrics and intricate embroidery. The traditional Tay dress is a source of great pride and identity for the community.

Ritual and Belief Systems: The Tay people in Sa Pa maintain their traditional spiritual and animistic beliefs, which are closely connected to the natural world. Rituals and festivals centered around the agricultural cycle, ancestor worship, and natural phenomena are important parts of Tay cultural life.

Textiles and Weaving: The Tay are renowned for their brocade weaving, which is considered one of the most complex weaving techniques in Vietnam. Tay women use handlooms to weave intricate patterns into cotton and hemp fabrics. Common motifs include flowers, birds, and geometric designs that hold symbolic meaning for the Tay people. The weaving process is extremely time-consuming, with a single brocade piece taking weeks or even months to complete.

Embroidery: Embroidery is another important textile art form for the Tay. Tay women embroider detailed patterns onto clothing, bags, and other textiles using colorful silk and cotton threads. Floral patterns, birds, and abstract designs are common embroidered motifs. The embroidery work is delicate and requires great skill and patience to execute.

Basketry: Tay basketry is renowned for its durability and practical design. Tay weavers utilize a variety of natural materials including rattan, bamboo, and cane to create baskets in different shapes and sizes. Baskets are used for gathering crops, storing goods, and other daily purposes. Woven patterns on the baskets often incorporate symbolic meanings from Tay culture and beliefs.

Silversmithing: Silver has long held cultural significance for the Tay people. Tay silversmiths use traditional techniques to craft intricate jewelry, ornaments, and household items from silver. Necklaces, bracelets, and pendants are decorated with Tay motifs like flowers, birds, and geometric designs. The silverwork requires immense technical skill and attention to detail.

Wood Carving: Tay woodcarvers create a range of carved wooden items, from small figurines to architectural elements for homes. Common motifs drawn from nature, such as animals and plants, are meticulously carved into the wood. Tay wood carvings often have spiritual or symbolic meaning within their culture.

The preservation of these traditional handicrafts is important for maintaining Tay cultural identity and passing on artistic techniques to future generations. Many Tay artisans continue to produce these handcrafted items both for practical use and to share their rich cultural heritage.

Thanh Tuan